Pre-Access - Skills for Employment Training and Personal Development - Haverhill

About the course

Thinking about returning to education, getting back into work or taking your career in a new direction? If it has been a while since you last studied, our friendly and supportive Pre?Access to Higher Education programme will help you rebuild your confidence, refresh essential skills and take your next step. Designed for adults aged 19 and over, this Level 2 course can prepare you for an Access to HE Diploma, further training or new opportunities in employment.

The course offers a flexible qualification route to suit your lifestyle and goals:

The 12?week Certificate offers a manageable and focused first step. You will have time to refresh your study and digital skills, become comfortable with learning again and begin planning what comes next.

The Certificate runs at several points throughout the year, making it easier to begin when the time is right for you. By the end of the course, you will have developed practical skills, greater confidence and positive study habits that can support your progression to a Level 3 Access to HE Diploma, further training, employment or a new career direction.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for the Pre?Access programme, although you will need a good command of English. You do not need recent qualifications or previous experience of higher-level study - just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to develop. From your first session onwards, your tutors will support you to set realistic goals, recognise your progress and prepare for your chosen next step.

What you'll learn (core modules)

You do not need to arrive feeling fully prepared. Through friendly, interactive and supportive learning, you will build the academic, digital and personal skills needed for your next step. Whether you have been out of education for a few years or several decades, your tutors will help you learn at a manageable pace, rebuild your confidence and rediscover what you can achieve.

• Study and time?management skills
• English and Maths development for academic and everyday use
• Digital literacy and online learning skills
• Research, writing and presentation techniques
• Personal growth, resilience and goal?setting for future study

By the end of the course, you will have stronger academic foundations, improved digital confidence and a clearer sense of your next step. These skills can help you progress to an Access to HE Diploma, prepare for further training, strengthen future job applications or move towards a different career.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is ongoing and designed to support your learning. You'll complete a variety of tasks such as short written assignments, presentations, practical activities and reflective journals. These assessments are designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the study styles used in Access to HE programmes.

Assessment throughout teaching weeks. 

Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

Haverhill
Provincial House, 32 High Street, Haverhill CB9 8AR

Or it may be available at one of our Learning Centres:

Chatteris
North Cambridgeshire Training Centre, 1 Engineers Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6FU

Main Campus at University Studies Campus - Bury St Edmunds
University and Professional Development Centre, 73 Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3SP

Ipswich
Ipswich Learning Centre, Fraser House, 23 Museum Street, Ipswich IP1 1HE

Sudbury
Sudbury Learning Centre, 18–20 Cornard Road, Sudbury CO10 2XA

Thetford
Thetford Learning Centre, Charles Burrell Centre, Staniforth Road, Thetford IP24 3LH

Where will this course take me?

Completing the Pre?Access course can open up a range of possibilities.

Many learners progress to a Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in areas such as Health Professions, Business, Social Sciences, Humanities or Counselling.

Others use their new skills and confidence to pursue further training, return to employment or begin working towards a new career.

How much will it cost?

If you're aged 19 or over, your course may be fully funded through the Adult Education Budget, depending on your circumstances. We also offer a Discretionary Bursary Fund to help with travel, childcare and learning materials (subject to eligibility).

• Find out more about funding and bursaries

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Ready to take the next step? Whether you want to return to education, improve your employment prospects or explore a completely new career, you do not have to have everything planned before you begin. Apply online today or contact our friendly Admissions Team for an informal conversation about whether the course is right for you.

Email: AccesstoHE@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

Days & times

Starting 11/01/2027